With his visually stimulating works often exposing a dark undertone, Ismail Awi has received huge attention in recent years through his endeavour to redefine modern tales, social events, and fables in a gothic and contemporary style. In Uprising, an anthropomorphic rooster in uniform with samurai swords is placed against the backdrop of an imaginary land with mythical creatures. One can examine the skilful and accomplished technique through his paintings, marked by the fine brushstrokes and distinctive colour palette. Ismail Awi is a rising star who was among 12 artists featured in the Tanah Air Ku showcase at the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was organised by Galeri Chandan and all the works belong to the Embassy. In July-August 2016, his work also made it to the Curate Henry Butcher exhibition called A Raya Celebration Of Generations In Art, and in January 2018, The Young Contempo Showcase II (organised by Curate Henry Butcher) held at Galeri Prima. His first debut in Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction sale in April 2018 saw his pricing skyrocketed, and in the October 2018 edition, soared almost five times higher!